Have you ever wondered what it would be like to travel back in time and witness the glory of the Mughal and Awadhi empires? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Charbagh railway station in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Charbagh railway station is not just a place to catch a train, but a historical and architectural wonder that showcases the rich and diverse heritage of Lucknow and its surroundings. In this article, we will explore how Charbagh railway station became the pride of Lucknow, and why you should add it to your bucket list.
Lucknow
Lucknow is a city that has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the ancient times. It was the seat of power for several dynasties, such as the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, the Nawabs of Awadh, and the British Raj. Various communities and religions have lived together in harmony for centuries in Lucknow, and their influence is reflected in its culture, cuisine, literature, music, and art. People often call Lucknow the “City of Nawabs”, because it was the capital of the Awadh region, where the Nawabs, or the Muslim aristocrats, ruled from the 18th to the 19th century. The Nawabs were patrons of art and culture, and they built many magnificent monuments, gardens, mosques, and palaces in Lucknow, which are still standing today. One of these monuments is the Charbagh railway station, which was built during the reign of the last Nawab of Awadh, Wajid Ali Shah.
Mughal and Awadhi architecture
The blend of Mughal and Awadhi architectural styles makes Charbagh railway station a stunning sight, with domes, pillars, turrets, arches, and carvings. The station got its name from the four gardens that were already there, in the Persian style of Charbagh, or the quadrilateral garden. The station was designed by J.H. Hornimen, a British architect, who incorporated the elements of the Mughal and Awadhi architecture, such as the Rumi Darwaza, the Bada Imambara, and the Chhota Imambara, which are some of the famous landmarks of Lucknow. The station was constructed from 1914 to 1923, using reddish pink sandstone, which gives it a distinctive and elegant appearance. The station has a symmetrical layout, with a central hall, two side wings, and nine platforms. The central hall has a high ceiling, with a large dome and four smaller domes at the corners. The side wings have arched windows and balconies, with turrets and minarets on the top. The station is adorned with intricate carvings and motifs, such as floral patterns, geometric shapes, and calligraphy, which add to its beauty and charm.
Reddish pink sandstone
Sand grains and minerals accumulated and formed reddish pink sandstone, which is a type of sedimentary rock that makes up Charbagh railway station. The station’s construction involved the use of sandstone from nearby places like Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, and Jaipur. It was brought to Lucknow by rail and road, and then shaped and smoothed by expert craftsmen. The sandstone symbolized and enhanced the region’s diversity and richness, and stood out against the sky and the greenery. It also captured and reflected the colors and the light of the environment, creating a stunning effect, especially at dawn and dusk.
Lucknow stories
Charbagh railway station is not only a landmark, but also a storyteller, as it has witnessed and inspired many stories related to Lucknow and its people. Many historical events have unfolded at the station, from the Indian Rebellion of 1857 to the Emergency of 1975. It has also hosted many cultural festivals, such as the Lucknow Mahotsav, the Lucknow Literature Festival, and the Lucknow Music Festival, that showcase the art and culture of Lucknow and its surroundings. Travelers and locals have shared many personal experiences at the station, such as the first train journey, the farewell, the reunion, and the romance. The station has also inspired many fictional tales, such as novels, poems, films, and songs, that portray the life and spirit of Lucknow and its people.
Charbagh railway station is a historical and architectural wonder of Lucknow, that reflects the cultural and artistic heritage of the city and the region. It is a place that connects the past and the present, and invites the visitors to explore and enjoy the beauty and charm of Lucknow and its stories. If you are planning to visit Lucknow, make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see and experience the Charbagh railway station, and share your own story with us in the comments below. And to know more such stories related to Lucknow, follow the lucknow stories on our blog.